Of over 5000 known amphibious species, no less than one third are known to be extinct or on the decline. They are the 'canaries' in their particular coal mines, indicating damage to their habitats – air and water, the mediums of their metamorphoses (and our own survival). Amphibian deformities were reported as far back as 250 years, but it was not until around 1995 that mass occurrences alerted the scientific community. Its concerns were picked up by the mass media, since frogs resemble human victims. Initially it was feared that chemical pollution was causing the birth defects, but now it seems more likely that chemical fertilizers may create better habitats for the snail-borne parasites that cause extra legs; pollutants like DDT can increase the rate at which some predators can capture tadpoles.

In the 2002 Ecoventions catalogue, Ballengée asked 'The BIG Question': "Why are there fewer amphibians?" Among the answers are habitat modification and loss, followed by emerging diseases (fungus, viruses, and perhaps those parasites), climate change, invasive species, pollution of all kinds, overcollection of amphibians for food and pets – "death by a thousand cuts," as Ballengée puts it.

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About Me

This weblog is about my activities as a designer and publisher of books and editions (portfolio's and prints) of contemporary art. The editions were published in collaboration with Peninsula Foundation, Eindhoven (during the time when I was working there, 1987-1997) and October Foundation, Eindhoven (1998-2007). Since 2007 I am working as an independent designer and publisher. Further you can find on this blog information and news about artists I have worked with and other related items.
Books and editions can be ordered by email or post. Price is incuding tax, postage not included. See price list (under labels), more info on request.
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Peter Foolen |
Nijenrode 107 |
5653 JD Eindhoven |
The Netherlands |
tel +31 (0)40 2524266 |
email peterfoolen@ziggo.nl